The bottom line is clear: Our vital interests in Afghanistan are limited and military victory is not the key to achieving them. On the contrary, waging a lengthy counterinsurgency war in Afghanistan may well do more to aid Taliban recruiting than to dismantle the group, help spread conflict further into Pakistan, unify radical groups that might otherwise be quarreling amongst themselves, threaten the long-term health of the U.S. economy, and prevent the U.S. government from turning its full attention to other pressing problems. -- Afghanistan Study Group

Officials say the Kandahar-Helmand highway has reopened after a month-long blockade. However, it appears it is currently only being used by military vehicles. Whether this is because it is still too dangerous for civilian use or because of physical damage is not entirely clear.